Murodo, located at an altitude of around 2,450 meters in the Japanese Alps along the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, is a stunning destination within the Chubu Sangaku National Park in Toyama Prefecture. Renowned for its breathtaking views of the Tateyama Mountain Range, including the sacred Mt. Tateyama, Murodo offers various activities such as hiking, mountaineering, and snow experiences even in summer.
Visitors can explore unique landscapes like the geothermal Hell Valley and enjoy serene spots like Mikurigaike Pond, while the area's hot springs provide a perfect way to unwind.
Accessible via multiple transportation modes on the Alpine Route, Murodo is a blend of natural beauty and cultural significance, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
Train from Toyama Chiho railroad to Tateyama Station (1,230 yen)
Cable car to Bijodaira Station, then transfer bus to Murodo Station
Fare: 7,380 yen (round-trip from Tateyama to Murodo)
Local train from Takayama to Inotani
Change to train bound for Toyama
Head towards South exit
Turn left to Dentetsu-Toyama Station
Entrance of Dentetsu-Toyama Station
Buy ticket to Tateyama Station 1,230 yen
The train to Tateyama Station
In the train to Tateyama Station
Arriving at Tateyama Station
Buy the ticket to Murodo from here
Round trip ticket 7,380 yen
Eatery and shops in the station
Queue at Lane 1 for Tateyama cable car
Tateyama cable car
Arrive at Bijodaira Station
Queue for bus to Murodo
Murodo Bus Terminal
Outside Murodo Bus Terminal
Date: 19 October 2023
Hoping to climb Mt. O-nanji-yama (Tateyama 立山) but I knew the weather was not favourable. So just relax in Mikurigaike-onsen [みくりが池温泉] and enjoy soaking in the hot spring. Reached Murodo bus terminal at 15:30 and headed to check-in. Walked a bit around taking advantage of the good weather, before the sun sets around 17:00.
Mikurigaike Pond
Mikurigaike Pond
Hell Valley
Hell Valley
Mikurigaike Pond
Mikurigaike Pond
Sun setting
Night lights
Dinner set
Date: 20 October 2023
Walked towards Raicho-zawa camping site in the morning before the weather changes.
Mikurigaike Hot Spring
Buffet style breakfast
Mikurigaike Pond
Tateyama mountains
Bloody Pond
Rindo Pond
Hell Valley
Raichozawa Camping Ground
Raichozawa Camping Ground
Raichozawa (river)
Wet and windy in the afternoon
Hotel Tateyama
Total time: 3:20 hours
Total distance: 10.75km
Total ascent: 359m
Total descent: 322m
Bus station: Murodo Station
Accommodation: Mikurigaike Onsen (10,800 yen)
Are there lockers in Murodo Bus Terminal?
Yes, there are coin/key lockers located in the Murodo Bus Terminal. It costs 200 yen for a small locker, 300 yen for a medium, and 400 yen for a large. It is unknown how many days (usually 3 days) can you store your belongings, unlike those in the train stations where they are machine-operated and charged by the number of days. Coin/key lockers are also available at Bijodaira (cable car station) as well as Tateyama train station.
Murodo bus station
200-400 yen
Tateyama train station